COLD, WET WINTER COMING

If you see pigs gathering leaves and straw, it could be a sign that a cold winter is on its way.

While the notion has been argued for years, The Old Farmer's Almanac believes the farm animals may want to prepare a warm place for themselves this winter, as belowaverage temperatures are expected across the southern United States.

"Temperatures should be two degrees below normal," said The Old Farmer's Almanac Editor Janice Stillman. "It should also come as no surprise that the region could see an increase in precipitation as well."

Though extreme cold weather is rare at any time in the "Deep South," temperatures are expected to drop toward the middle of December, possibly bringing with it a chance for snow around Christmas.

"A white Christmas remains a possibility," Stillman said. "According to our research, the South will be getting the brunt of the winter weather."

Waterways affected by the severe drought taking place in the Southeast may also get some relief. Precipitation is expected to be above average this winter, a welcome sign for a region not used to seeing much rainfall at that time of year.

According to Stillman, the cold and wet forecast is part of a cooling period going on around the globe.

"Weather cycles typically run in 11-year patterns, usually being influenced by activity on the sun; also known as sunspots," Stillman said. "Lately we've been seeing fewer sunspots, usually indicating that a cooling period will follow. According to our research, we've actually been in this cooling trend for the past two years."

While the theory of global cooling may be farfetched for some, The Old Farmer's Almanac has spent much of the past 200 years proving its doubters wrong. Using a secret formula consisting of data derived from climatology, meteorology and solar science, the New Hampshirebased publication is traditionally believed to have an 80 percent success rate.

"The founder of the almanac actually created a secret formula that has remained consistent through the years," Stillman said. "His formula is actually still hidden to this day."

However, the editor said the only place where weather has little importance is inside the confines of your home.

"The only place where you'll find a perfect climate is in bed," Stillman said. "With a soft pillow being the only place where you'll have a good conscience."

DETAILED FORECAST FOR NEXT TWO MONTHS

NOVEMBER

Avg. Temperature: 55° (avg.) Precipitation: 2" (1" below avg.)

Nov. 1-5: Rain, then sunny, mild Nov. 6-10: Sunny; cold nights Nov. 11-16: Sunny, warm

Nov. 17-23: Rain, seasonable

Nov. 24-27: Sunny, then showers, cool

Nov. 28-30: Sunny, cool

DECEMBER

Avg. Temperature: 41° (6° below avg.)

Precipitation: 4" (0.5" above avg.)

Dec. 1-8: Rain, seasonable

Dec. 9-16: Sunny, cold

Dec. 17-24: Rain and snow, then sunny, cold

Dec. 25-27: Rain and snow, then sunny, cold

Dec. 28-31: Sunny, then rain, mild